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My cat ate a large piece of plastic. Is this an emergency? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Im pretty certain my cat ate a rather large piece of plastic (like a cd or did wrapper) probably 5-6 inches long by 3-4 inches wide. He was playing with a piece of plastic and when I went to get it, it was gone. my husband and I have looked everywhere for it and we just kno he likely ate it. I'm so worried. What do I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 2nd, 2017

I can certainly understand being worried about your cat eating plastic! The problem with plastic is that is can get caught in the GI tract, causing an obstruction. The best thing to do is to take him into a vet on call or an ER vet to get a shot to induce vomiting now. That will get the plastic out of him, and prevent any chance of obstruction. If it did cause an obstruction, he would need surgery to remove it, so it's better to avoid a big surgery bill now by having him induced to vomit to remove it. There is a chance it could pass on it's own, and you can chose to monitor him over the next 72 hours. Signs of obstruction including vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and constipation, and should you see any of those signs, he would need to see a vet immediately. In my opinion, it's best to be safe, so I would recommend taking him into a vet now.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on May 3rd, 2019

    If it was a very small piece then it should be okay, just keep an eye on him and make sure he is still eating, drinking and behaving normally. The second he vomits, refuses to eat, or becomes lethargic, get him to the vet, the plastic could form an obstruction. If it was a long, thin piece, take him to the vet now. Anything thread or string-like can snake its way through the GI tract and cut through. This is life-threatening and requires immediate surgery.

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    18Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 29th, 2020

    Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A piece of wrapper of this size will likely pass through. I don't think that your vet will recommend any treatment but to monitor Scotty at home. Please, keep an eye on her for the next 48-72 hrs. If you notice that she is lethargic, off food, vomiting or not passing stools at all, you should take her to your vet right away as these are common symptoms of gastrointestinal obstruction.

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